From Disney to a diabetes diagnosis
Stone started acting as a child and broke through nationally as Harper Finkle when Wizards of Waverly Place premiered in 2007. The series, which co-starred Selena Gomez, ran through 2012.
At 20, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after a stretch of strange symptoms: unexplained weight gain and vision so blurry she couldn't read street signs. Type 1, an autoimmune condition in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin, accounts for only about 5% to 10% of diabetes cases and requires daily insulin to manage (CDC). She came away frustrated with the care she received, especially from her physicians. In college she first eyed psychology, then chose nursing so she could be the provider she had needed. She still advocates for people with type 1 diabetes, serving on the Global Ambassador Council of Beyond Type 1, the nonprofit co-founded by Nick Jonas.
How acting feeds her nursing
After the show wrapped, Stone earned an associate degree at Glendale Community College and a BSN at Azusa Pacific University. The skills transferred more than she expected. The memorization that helped her learn lines now helps her retain clinical information, and the work of building a character helps her organize what she tells a patient.
"You're there on somebody's worst day," she said. "To have the skills I've acquired from acting, to listen, empathize, and a lot of times say, 'I don't know what you're going through, but I want to,' is really a beautiful blessing."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jennifer Stone known for?
She played Harper Finkle on Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place, which premiered in 2007 and ran through 2012, opposite Selena Gomez. She now works as an emergency room nurse.
Why did she become a nurse?
A type 1 diabetes diagnosis at 20, and the care she felt was lacking, pushed her toward nursing. She wanted to be the kind of provider she had needed.
What nursing degree does she hold?
Stone earned an associate degree at Glendale Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Azusa Pacific University before working as an ER nurse.
What is type 1 diabetes?
It is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It makes up roughly 5% to 10% of diabetes cases and is managed with daily insulin (CDC).
Is nursing a realistic second career?
Yes. Registered nursing is a large, growing field, with employment projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034 and about 189,100 openings a year (Bureau of Labor Statistics), which leaves room for career changers like Stone.
Does she still advocate for diabetes patients?
She serves on the Global Ambassador Council of Beyond Type 1, the nonprofit co-founded by Nick Jonas, and continues to speak publicly about living with type 1 diabetes.